David Archuleta: American Idol Runner-Up Returns from Mormon Mission

David Archuleta was the runner-up to American Idol David Cook during 2007's season seven of the singing competition show. A few short years later he flew to Chile to serve a 2-year Mormon mission. He is now back at home and fans are likely waiting to find out if he'll go back to his music career.

In the Mormon faith it is suggested that young men serve a two year mission in service to the church. During their mission they share the Scriptures with anyone who will welcome them into their homes and listen. These missions aren't always easy for these young men--many of whom are only 19 or 20 years old when they leave home for a full two years. They are allowed to email home on Mondays and can only call home on Mother's Day and Christmas. Their separation from the world and from family is designed to keep them concentrating on the Scriptures they are sharing as well as to spend ample time in prayer.

In addition, the young Mormon men like David Archuleta fund their own missions. They typically live in apartments furnished by the Mormon church, but are responsible for their own food, clothing and often their transportation as well.

It was in March of 2012 that David Archuleta left for Chile.

"It's a decision everyone knows about, but it's a very personal thing. I wanted to keep it that way, so I hope you guys respect that," he said shortly before leaving. "I've been able to bring you guys on this journey so far, but I hope that you guys will respect that this will be more of a personal thing; that I'm trying to focus on something else now, not my career, not trying to do music."

David Archuleta's album The Other Side of Down was released in 2010. He sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir--as seen in the video clip above--several times. Do you think there's a place for this Mormon missionionary back in the music world?

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Kimberly Ripley
Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A wife, mom of five and 'Nana' to Lilly and Aiden, she loves cooking for her big family and watching HGTV in her spare time. Kim is guilty of starting way more home design projects than she can finish. Visit her at Twitter and Facebook.Google+